The Prince Edward Island Older Boys' Parliament was a youth model parliament for boys aged 16 to 21 in the province of Prince Edward Island established in 1955.[1][2] Like most of the provincial youth parliaments in Canada, the PEIOBP was established in conjunction with the provincial Boys’ Work Board, a primarily Christian-based organization consisting of various Protestant churches and related organizations. Prior to the establishment of the PEIOBP, delegates from the province would attend the Maritime Youth Parliament.[1][3][4][5]
The first session of the PEIOBP met in Province House in Charlottetown, the legislative building for PEI, from April 15 to 17, 1955.[1][2] Between 40 and 50 members formed the first parliament. David MacDonald of Charlottetown served as Premier; Malcolm MacRae of Cherry Valley was the Deputy Premier; and Dave Stewart was the Speaker.[1] Legislation debated at that first session included matters regarding the Christian faith, temperance, and sports.[1]
During its 10th session, the PEIOBP held its proceedings at Summerside for the first time.[6] Former PEI Premier and then-current Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of PEI served as the Lieutenant Governor of the Boys' Parliament.[6]
NOTE - the Rotary Clubs of PEI have hosted (as at March 2024) 34 Annual Youth Parliaments in Prince Edward Island[7]
References edit
- ^ a b c d e "Older Boys 'Parliament' to Meet Next Week". Charlottetown Guardian. Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. 1955-04-07. p. 2.
- ^ a b "Older Boys' Parliament Sets Inspiring Precedent". Charlottetown Guardian. Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. 1955-04-18. p. 2.
- ^ "Boys Parliament Opens Session at Sackville". Charlottetown Guardian. Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. 1947-12-27. p. 3.
- ^ "Murray Harbour Tuxis & Trail Ranger Groups Carry Off First Prize". Charlottetown Guardian. Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. 1951-01-02. p. 5.
- ^ "Tuxis Parliament is Continued". Charlottetown Guardian. Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. 1952-12-30. p. 11.
- ^ a b "Older Boys' Parliament Opens Session in S'Side". Charlottetown Guardian. Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. 1964-01-25. p. 3.
- ^ "34th Annual Youth Parliament". Retrieved March 9, 2024.